New works underway on Princes Highway upgrade between Traralgon and Sale

Media Release

DC009/2017

13 January 2017

Joint release with:

Luke Donnellan

Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety

Works from Nambrok Road to Maffra-Rosedale Road and Minniedale Road to Sheepwash Creek Road start this week.

These are the latest of nine sections to be upgraded in the $260 million Traralgon to Sale Princes Highway duplication project.

Upgrades will reduce travel times and improve traffic flow and safety for the 15,000 vehicles estimated to use these sections each day.

Construction has begun on two new sections as part of the duplication of the Princes Highway between Traralgon and Sale in eastern Victoria.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the project was central to the Australian Government's efforts in improving road safety in regional Victoria.

“Road safety is a partnership between governments, police and the community, and investing in safer roads such the Princes Highway duplication shows we are committed to turning around the worst road fatality rate recorded in five years,” Mr Chester said.

“I am pleased to announce that work will get underway on the section of highway from Nambrok Road to Maffra-Rosedale Road and the section from Minniedale Road to Sheepwash Creek Road.”

The contract for the Nambrok Road to Maffra-Rosedale Road section has been won by Gippsland-based company Whelans Group Investments Pty Ltd.

Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said the upgrades would provide a boost to the local Gippsland economy.

“The duplicated highway is making the journey safer and more reliable for all road users—from heavy vehicles to those heading to the Gippsland Lakes for holidays,” Mr Donnellan said.

“As work begins, and traffic conditions change, we're reminding everyone to obey all work site signs to keep themselves and roadside workers safe.”

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said work on the two new sections would continue to help cut travel times for Victorians travelling between Traralgon and Sale.

“A stronger and more reliable road will help to reduce the cost of doing business and support the growth of our local industry and tourism in Gippsland,” Ms Shing said.

The Nambrok Road to Maffra-Rosedale Road section will upgrade 3.4 kilometres of highway by delivering new traffic lanes and upgrading the intersection at Maffra-Rosedale Road. Construction is expected to be completed in mid-2018.

The Minniedale Road to Sheepwash Creek Road section will upgrade 3.9 kilometres of highway by constructing new traffic lanes and upgrading the intersections at Kenyons Lane and Sheepwash Creek Road. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2019.

The Australian Government is contributing $210 million and the Victorian Government $50 million to duplicate sections of the Princes Highway between Traralgon and Sale.